The CE Marking and Its Relevance for Manufacturers
The CE marking is a symbol found on many products and holds special significance for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. But what does it actually mean, and why is the CE marking so important for manufacturers? In this blog post, we aim to explore this in more detail.
MEANING AND REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING THE CE MARKING
CE (“Conformité Européene”) comes from French and means “European Conformity.” This certification mark is essential for products sold in the European market. It indicates that the product meets the EU-wide legal minimum requirements for health, safety, and environmental protection. When used as intended and in cases of foreseeable misuse, the product should not endanger the safety or health of individuals. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety requirements and for affixing the CE marking to products when the relevant CE regulations apply. If the CE regulations do not apply, the CE marking must not be used. The marking must be applied to the product visibly, legibly, and permanently after successful conformity assessment and the creation of the required documentation.
THE CONFORMITY PROCEDURE: DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Before a product can be CE marked, a conformity procedure must be carried out. This is a process that ensures a product meets certain specified requirements. All products that fall under specific EU directives must go through the conformity procedure before being introduced to the European market. The procedure is crucial for ensuring consumer protection, increasing safety, and maintaining uniform standards for all market participants. At the end of the conformity procedure, a declaration of conformity is issued, which includes the manufacturer’s statement that the product complies with the defined requirements and standards.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CE MARKING AND EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a key component of the CE marking for many electrical and electronic products. EMC ensures that products can operate safely and without interference with one another, which is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers. By conducting EMC testing and affixing the CE marking, the manufacturer guarantees that the product is designed and manufactured in compliance with the fundamental safety requirements of the relevant EU regulations.
RELEVANCE OF EMC FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
STEPS TO OBTAIN THE CE MARKING IN THE FIELD OF EMC
A manufacturer must follow these steps to affix the CE marking to their product:
1. IDENTIFIZIERUNG DER ANWENDBAREN EU-RICHTLINIEN UND NORMEN
In der EU gibt es verschiedene Richtlinien, die auf die Produkte zutreffen, die im Europäischen Markt vertrieben werden. Neben den Richtlinien müssen auch spezifische Normen herangezogen werden, die zur Einhaltung der Richtline wichtig sind.
Beispiele:
| Directive | Norm |
| EMC Directive | 2014/30/EU |
| Low Voltage Directive (LVD) | 2014/35/EU |
| Toy Safety Directive | 2009/48/EU |
| Radio Equipment Directive (RED) | 2014/53/EU |
| Machinery Directive | 2023/1230 |
| General Product Safety Directive | 2011/95/EG (GPSD) |
2. CONDUCTING A RISK ASSESSMENT
In a risk assessment, potential risks that may arise during the product’s lifecycle must be identified. Based on these risks, mitigation measures must be implemented. This includes potential electromagnetic disturbances that the product could cause or be exposed to. These disturbances are analyzed and evaluated to determine appropriate countermeasures.
3. PRODUCT DESIGN AND TESTING
The design and construction of the product must meet the required standards. During the design phase, it must be ensured that the product operates safely and without interference under the intended operating conditions.
In the field of EMC, tests are conducted to confirm compliance with the relevant standards and requirements. These tests take place in a testing laboratory.
4. CREATION OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
The technical documentation compiles comprehensive technical data that demonstrate the product’s conformity. The document should include the following elements:
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- Product description
- Design and manufacturing drawings
- Overview of applied standards and regulations
- Results of conducted EMC tests
- Risk assessment and mitigation measures
- Operating instructions and safety information
5. CREATE EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The manufacturer must create and sign an EU Declaration of Conformity, confirming that the product complies with the relevant requirements.
6. AFFIXING THE CE MARKING
Once all previous steps have been successfully completed, the manufacturer may affix the CE marking to the product. The CE marking must be visible, legible, and indelible. The two letters “C” and “E” must have the same minimum height of 5 mm and the same proportions. If the marking cannot be directly affixed to the product, it must appear on the packaging or accompanying documentation.
7. MONITORING AND MAINTAINING CONFORMITY
The technical documentation should be regularly reviewed and updated when changes are made to the product. Additionally, continuous monitoring should be conducted to ensure that the manufactured products continue to meet the requirements.
8. RETENTION OF DOCUMENTATION
Once a product has been placed on the market, the technical documentation and the EU Declaration of Conformity must be retained for at least 10 years.
BENEFITS OF EMC COMPLIANCE AND CE MARKING
EMC compliance and CE marking offer numerous benefits for both manufacturers and consumers. They promote the safety, reliability, and market acceptance of products while ensuring compliance with legal regulations.
EMC COMPLIANCE:
Ensuring Functionality: EMC-compliant products are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring their reliable operation.
Increased Safety: By minimizing electromagnetic interference, the safety of electrical and electronic devices is improved, reducing the risk of malfunctions and resulting hazards.
Avoiding Liability Risks: Manufacturers producing EMC-compliant products reduce their liability risk in the event of disturbances or damage caused by electromagnetic influences.
Compatibility: EMC-compliant devices can operate seamlessly with other devices without causing mutual interference, enhancing interoperability and user-friendliness.
CE MARKING
Free Movement of Goods: The CE marking allows products to be traded freely within the European Economic Area without the need for additional testing or certifications.
Expansion of Market Potential: With the CE marking, manufacturers can expand their products to the entire European market, leading to a significant increase in market potential.
Consumer Trust: The CE marking signals to consumers that the product meets applicable EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements, boosting confidence in the product.
Competitive Advantage: Products with the CE marking enjoy a competitive edge, as they allow access to a larger market and strengthen consumer trust in the product’s quality and safety.
Legal Compliance: The CE marking indicates that a product meets all relevant EU directives, providing legal protection for manufacturers and helping avoid fines or product recalls.
Risk Reduction: By complying with CE requirements, manufacturers minimize the risk of product failures, recalls, and legal consequences, leading to safer and more reliable product deliveries overall.
CONTACT
Josip Horvat
Head of EMC Laboratory
Phone: +49 (7172) 926 13-33
Email: josip.horvat@baudisch.de
Carsten Hampel
EMC Expert
Phone: +49 (7172) 926 13-34
Email: carsten.hampel@baudisch.de
Baudisch Electronic GmbH
Im Gewerbegebiet 19
73116 Wäschenbeuren